'Fabulous 50 plus' due for Coventry City Legends Day in honour of Cyrille Regis

THIS Saturday sees a special Coventry City Legends Day in honour of the life of a Sky Blues great – Cyrille Regis – who sadly passed away in January, aged 59.

Players from recent decades are set to turn out in large numbers after mammoth efforts by organisers. They will be presented on the pitch during half-time at the Ricoh Arena League Two game against Lincoln City (March 3, 3pm).

The annual event has again been organised by the Coventry City Former Players Association (CCFPA), which says the great turnout by legends means it will be a “Fabulous Fifty plus”.

It will be followed by a Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Cyrille Regis on Sunday at Coventry Cathedral (March 4, 4pm) where ticketed admission is free, which some of the Sky Blues legends are also set to attend.

CCFPA posted on its website: “We are keeping our fingers crossed for the traditional Legends Day sunny weather when we welcome more than 50 former CCFC players of yesteryear back to the Ricoh to share their time with Sky Blues fans.

“The ‘Fabulous Fifty plus‘ cover seven decades of playing prowess from the fifties to the present, from Lol Harvey to Michael Doyle. There are several former players from our traditional north of the border contingent coming and at least two flying in especially for the event, John Tudor (USA) and Mo Konjic (Bosnia).

“This year we expect the traditional half-time centre circle ‘team-photo’ of all our former players to include a tribute to our deeply missed former player Cyrille Regis who passed away at a tragically early age earlier this year.

“As just part of the tribute there will be a release of special ‘Cyrille balloons’ at this time Several of Cyrille’s closest colleagues from the mid 80s will be there to share the special day including guests from the other Midland clubs Cyrille graced in his distinguished career.”

There will also be an auction open to fans where memorabilia includes a framed Sky Blues shirt from Micky Gynn’s testimonial game signed by all the members of the 1987 F.A.Cup squad; a framed photo of that victorious team, again signed by team members; a montage of memorabilia from the commemoration of the passing of Jimmy Hill in 2016; and a chrome mechanical dual-time double hunter watch engraved to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Association last year. For more details, go to www.ccfpa.co.uk.

Legends Day hospitality is now sold out, the club announced today, with Sky Blues supporters snapping up the chance to dine alongside their heroes.

Fans looking to still enjoy the match in style can purchase an Executive Box for the fixture (for more information go to www.ccfc.co.uk).

The CCFC website states: “The former players span the decades, with popular stars of the past including George Hudson, Ian Wallace, Dave Bennett and Mo Konjic. Come along and get behind Mark Robins’ men.”

A good crowd is expected, including thousands from Lincoln City. The Sky Blues have teamed up with their opponents to offer their Junior Imps supporters a free ticket when accompanied by a paying adult, replicating the Junior Sky Blues offer.

Tickets are cheaper when bought in advance – Adult prices start from £22, while Concessions are from £15. Meanwhile, JSB Under 13s are free.

You can reduce your ticket price further with a Match Package, bringing an adult ticket down to £18.

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